Sculpture | Elaine James | Tjanpi | 57 x 23 x 14cm

This gorgeous lizard (tinka) sculpture has been handmade by Elaine James, an who was born in Kaltukatjara (Docker River), Northern Territory in 1972. Elaine spent her early years in this area, travelling around with her parents, from whom she learnt about her Pitjantjatjara culture, heritage and language. Featuring beautifully coloured weaving, it is full of character- this is a truly special piece of First Nations art.

Weaving with fibre in this way has become a fundamental part of Central and Western desert culture and draws on the traditional practice of making manguri rings - a ring worn on the head made of grasses and cloth.  Here we see traditional weaving techniques re-framed using a mix of traditional and contemporary materials - including wool! The result is a strikingly bold and colourful sculptural piece with layers of historical significance.

Tjanpi Desert Weavers is an aboriginal owned social enterprise that works with over 400 Anangu/Yarnangu women artists from 26 remote communities across the remote Central and Western desert regions. Tjanpi artists use native grasses, wool, string, seeds and feathers to make spectacular contemporary fibre art, weaving beautiful baskets and sculptures and displaying endless creativity and inventiveness. While out collecting desert grasses, women visit sacred sights and traditional homelands, hunt and gather food for their families and teach their children about country.

Details:
57 x 23 x 14cm
Materials: Tjanpi (grasses) Raffia and wool
To view all the Tjanpi sculptures and baskets we have available click here.
Please note: measurements are approximate due to the 3D nature of Tjanpi baskets and sculptures.

More about Elaine James:
After completing her formal education, Elaine married and raised two daughters, passing on to them the knowledge her parents taught her. Elaine began making baskets and sculptures in 2014, after watching relatives and renowned Tjanpi artists Tjukaparti􀆟 and Ruby James working. Elaine enjoys working primarily in wool and likes making 􀆟tinka (goanna), planes and even fish. She says that she does Tjanpi “because it makes me feel happy”.